The only really effective apologia for Christianity comes down to two arguments, namely the saints the Church has produced and the art which has grown in her womb.

Analysis

The quote is accurately attributed to then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) from his address to the Communion and Liberation movement in Rimini, Italy, in August 2002. The statement reflects his theological emphasis on the witness of saints and the beauty of Christian art as powerful forms of apologetics.

Background

Communion and Liberation is a Catholic ecclesial movement founded in Italy in the 1950s. Cardinal Ratzinger, as Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, frequently engaged with such groups. The address in question was part of the movement's annual meeting.

Verdict summary

Pope Benedict XVI did make this statement in a 2002 address to Communion and Liberation.

Sources consulted